Bumble bees (Bombus spp.) are an important group of North American wild pollinators. However, in the latter half of the 20th century, concern has arisen because of a noticeable declines in many species’ populations—due to a variety of factors including pesticides and diseases from managed bees.

Decline of the world’s rarest bumble bee

The Klamath Mountain endemic Franklin’s bumble bee (Bombus franklini) was named in 1921 for Henry J. Franklin, who authored the bumble bees of North and South America (1913). The Franklin’s is even more vulnerable than other Bombus species due to its restricted range—confined to Siskiyou and Trinity counties in California; and Jackson, Douglas and Josephine counties in Oregon. This is considered the smallest range of any Bombus species in the world.

Trinity Alps Wilderness

From Julie Kierstead-Nelson, Shasta-Trinity National Forest Botanist

Hello friends and plant lovers–the two parcels we (Shasta-Trinity NF) have been offered by a private owner are in the heart of the Trinity Alps, in the Klamath Ranges, one encompassing most of Bowerman Meadows, the other Emerald Lake at the head of Stuart Fork.  I have attached a map, plus the write up I did in a hurry.  We are submitting a funding proposal and will be competing against other acquisition proposals from all over the U.S.

Brenda Tracy, our staff person who is heading up the acquisition process, tells me that our botanical community support and information were very important to the success of our acquisition of lands on Mt. Eddy and Castle Crags.  Please consider a short letter of support.

Please address your letter or email by Monday, December 3rd close of business to:

Brenda Tracy
Public Services Staff Officer and Forest Lands Officer
3644 Avtech Parkway
Redding, CA  96002
btracy@fs.fed.us

SAMPLE VERBIAGE: Botanical values of Morris Meadows and Emerald Lake Parcels